Ctet History Questions with Detailed Solutions

Correct Answer: (C) A is true, but R is false.
Explanation:​
→ Assertion (A) – True: In 1565 CE, the Vijayanagara army was defeated in the Battle of Talikota, also known as the Battle of Rakshasa-Tangadi. Following this defeat, the victorious armies plundered and destroyed the city of Vijayanagara (Hampi). The city was subsequently abandoned and gradually turned into ruins.
→ Reason (R) – False: The Vijayanagara Empire was defeated by an alliance of four Deccan Sultanates: Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Golconda and Bidar. Berar was not a part of this alliance. Therefore, the list given in the reason is incorrect.
Information Booster:
​→ Battle: Battle of Talikota (1565 CE).
→ Other name: Battle of Rakshasa-Tangadi.
→ Vijayanagara ruler: Sadashiva Raya was the nominal ruler, while Aliya Rama Raya exercised effective political power.
→ Important leader: Aliya Rama Raya led the Vijayanagara forces during the battle.
→ After the defeat: Hampi was extensively plundered and abandoned. The political centre of the Vijayanagara Empire subsequently shifted to Penukonda.
→ Aravidu Dynasty: It was the last ruling dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire.
→ Historical significance: The Battle of Talikota marked a major turning point in the history of the Vijayanagara Empire and led to the decline of its political power.

Correct Answer: (B) Kangra
Explanation:
→ The Kangra school of painting developed in the late 18th century in the Pahari region.
→ It is renowned for its lyrical treatment of themes, delicate lines, and naturalistic details.
→ A key distinguishing feature is the use of soft colours including cool blues and greens.
→ Themes were heavily inspired by Vaishnavite traditions, particularly stories of Radha and Krishna.
Information Booster:
→ Developed under the patronage of Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra.
→ Evolved after artists migrated from the Mughal court to the Himalayan foothills.
→ Key centers of Pahari painting included Guler, Kangra, and Mandi.
→ Pigments were derived from natural minerals and plants to retain soft hues.
→ Gita Govinda and Bhagavata Purana were popular literary subjects portrayed.

Correct Answer: (B) Tanha
Explanation:
→ Lord Buddha identified insatiable desire, attachment, and constant craving as tanha (or thirshna).
→ He taught that human suffering (dukkha) stems directly from this unquenchable thirst for worldly pleasures and material possessions.
→ Overcoming tanha through moderation and following the Eightfold Path leads to liberation/Nirvana.
→ It forms the second of the Four Noble Truths in Buddhist philosophy.
Information Booster:
→ Described in Pali texts as tanha (desire/thirst).
→ Identified as the primary root cause of human suffering (dukkha).
→ Central element of the Four Noble Truths.
→ Can be overcome by following the Eightfold Path (Astangika Marga).

Correct Answer: (C) Manipravalam
Explanation:
→ Lilatilakam is a 14th-century textual treatise on grammar and poetics composed in Manipravalam.
→ Manipravalam literally translates to 'diamonds and corals', referring to the blend of two languages: Sanskrit and regional Malayalam.
→ The text offers literary rules for combining regional literary tradition with classical Sanskrit grammar.
→ It is a key historical document demonstrating the growth of early Malayalam literature under the Chera kingdom.
Information Booster:
→ Composed during the fourteenth century.
→ Written in the literary style named Manipravalam.
→ Combines Sanskrit and regional Malayalam.
→ Literally means 'diamonds and corals'.

Correct Answer: (A) Jaipur and Lucknow
Explanation:
→ Kathak evolved into two major distinct traditions or gharanas: the courts of Rajasthan (Jaipur) and Lucknow.
→ Under the patronage of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah in Lucknow, it grew into a major classical art form focused on expressive abhinaya.
→ The Jaipur gharana focused heavily on intricate footwork (tatkar) and rapid spins (chakkars).
→ Later, a third major gharana also developed in Banaras, but Jaipur and Lucknow remain its primary classic regional centers.
Information Booster:
→ Originates from katha, meaning storytellers in North Indian temples.
→ Patronized extensively by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh.
→ Characterized by tatkar (footwork) and chakkars (pirouettes).
→ Jaipur gharana emphasizes nritta (pure technical dance), while Lucknow emphasizes bhava (expression).

Correct Answer: (C) Bundi
Explanation:
→ Raniji ki baori is a prominent, historically significant stepwell built as a public water utility resource.
→ It is located in the town of Bundi, Rajasthan, often known as the 'City of Stepwells' due to its numerous baoris.
→ It was constructed to fulfill water needs and display magnificent architectural craftsmanship during the Rajput era.
→ The structure is famous for its intricate carvings, grand multi-story layout, and high aesthetic significance in medieval Indian history.
Information Booster:
→ The stepwell was built in the year 1699 AD to provide continuous water supply.
→ It was commissioned by Rani Nathavati, the queen of the ruling monarch Rao Raja Anirudh Singh of Bundi.
→ It features highly refined pillars and an arched gateway showing exquisite Rajput style architecture.
→ Bundi boasts nearly 50 stepwells, with Raniji ki baori being the largest and most ornate among them.
→ Stepwells served as crucial rainwater harvesting systems in the arid regions of western India.

Correct Answer: (C) Battle of Khanua
Explanation:
→ The Battle of Khanua was a critical conflict that helped solidify early Mughal rule in northern India.
→ In the 1527 calendar year, Babur defeated the powerful Mewar ruler Rana Sanga and his allied Rajput forces.
→ Babur used advanced military tactics and artillery units to overcome his opponents' numerical advantage.
→ This decisive victory removed a major threat to Babur's authority, securing his control over the Agra-Delhi region.
Information Booster:
→ The historic battlefield of Khanua is situated near Fatehpur Sikri in modern Uttar Pradesh.
→ Before the clash, Babur rallied his troops by declaring the campaign a holy war (Jihad).
→ He also gave up drinking wine publicly to inspire religious commitment among his soldiers.
→ Following his victory, Babur assumed the prestigious title of Ghazi (holy warrior).
→ The battle demonstrated that traditional cavalry charges were vulnerable to disciplined gunpowder warfare.

Correct Answer: (B) Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law, Ali, was the legitimate leader of the Muslim community.
Explanation:
→ The division within Islamic tradition centered on questions of political and spiritual legitimate leadership after the Prophet.
→ Shia Muslims maintained that authority should stay within the Prophet's immediate family.
→ They recognized Ali, the Prophet’s son-in-law, as his rightful and divinely inspired successor.
→ This theological stance created a distinct institutional path, separating them from the Sunni majority.
Information Booster:
→ In contrast to the Shia position, Sunni Muslims accepted the authority of the early consensus leaders, the Khalifas.
→ Ali was the fourth of the Rightly Guided Caliphs before the community split widened.
→ Over time, both branches developed their own distinct systems of religious law (Sharia) and theology.
→ In historical India, various ruling dynasties and regional sultanates followed either Sunni or Shia traditions.
→ Medieval Islamic mysticism also saw the rise of the Sufi movement, which emphasized personal devotion over legalism.

Correct Answer: (c) A Muslim prostrates in reverence to Allah.
Explanation:
→ The word Masjid is derived from the Arabic root "sajada", which means "to prostrate" or "to bow down in submission."
→ Therefore, the literal meaning of Masjid is "a place of prostration", where Muslims perform sajdah (prostration) while offering prayers to Allah.
→ Although Friday sermons (Khutba) are delivered in many mosques, this is not the literal meaning of the word Masjid.
→ Thus, Option (c) correctly explains the literal meaning of the Arabic term Masjid.
Information Booster:
→ The Arabic root "S-J-D (س-ج-د)" means "to prostrate" or "to bow in worship."
→ A Masjid serves as a place for daily prayers, Friday congregational prayers (Jumu'ah), religious learning, and community gatherings.
→ During the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods, mosques functioned not only as places of worship but also as centres of education, charity, and social interaction.
→ The Friday congregational mosque, known as the Jama Masjid, was the principal mosque of a city where the Khutba (Friday sermon) was delivered.
→ According to medieval inscriptions, rulers often constructed mosques to commemorate victories, establish authority, and promote Islamic religious life.